Toilet paper and tissues imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of toilet paper and tissues by Zambia reached $6.0 million in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). That is 9% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6.0M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $6.7M | 3.5K t |
| 2022 | $5.6M | 3.0K t |
| 2021 | $4.6M | 2.5K t |
| 2020 | $4.2M | 2.1K t |
| 2019 | $4.0M | 2.1K t |
| 2018 | $3.8M | 1.8K t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 2.0K t |
Where Zambia imports toilet paper and tissues from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 72% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+459% on the year before).
Product types under HS 4818
| 4818.10 | Toilet paper | 60% |
| 4818.20 | Facial tissues and paper towels | 27% |
| 4818.90 | Paper and cellulose articles (other) | 7.1% |
| 4818.30 | Paper tablecloths and napkins | 6.3% |
| 4818.50 | Paper clothing and accessories | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4818.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.02 per kg, close to the world average of $2.39.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Toilet paper and tissues exports from Zambia
Exports of toilet paper and tissues by Zambia reached $524 thousand in 2024 (269 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 85% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+374% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $445K | 85% |
| Zimbabwe | $76K | 15% |
| Malawi | $3K | 0.5% |
| Qatar | $0K | 0.1% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia toilet paper and tissues imports (HS 4818): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 4818: Toilet paper, width 36cm or less or cut to size/shape; handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, serviettes, bed sheets and similar household or hospital articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of toilet paper and tissues imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported toilet paper and tissues worth $6.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 120th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply toilet paper and tissues to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($4.3 million), followed by Tanzania (16%) and China (5%). The top three together account for 93%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 666% on the year.
What is the average import price of toilet paper and tissues per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.02 per kg in 2024, 15% below the world average of $2.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of toilet paper and tissues to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $6.0 million in 2024, an increase of 64%. The peak was 2023 at $6.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.8 million a year.
Does Zambia also export toilet paper and tissues?
Yes. Zambia exported $524 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for toilet paper and tissues?
The HS code for toilet paper and tissues is heading 4818. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 4818.10 (59% of the value) and 4818.20 (27%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for Zambia. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World toilet paper and tissues trade: top importers and exporters
Toilet paper and tissues product types in Zambia
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